Former Asbury Basketball Standout Playing Professionally in Asia
Former Asbury Basketball Standout Playing Professionally in Asia
Former Asbury University men's basketball standout Phillip Morrison is playing professional basketball as part of the Asean Basketball League (ABL). Morrison, who played for the Eagles from 2008 to 2010, is a member of the Singapore Slingers, after previously playing for league rival Saigon Heat.
As a dual citizen of the United States and the Philippines, Morrison wanted to play professionally in Southeast Asia after graduating from college. "My mother was born in Manila and is full Filipino. She passed away in 2007 of cancer, but after college I decided to pursue getting my dual citizenship hoping to play professionally in the Philippines," Morrison said.
Despite playing well for Saigon, Morrison was released in the middle of this season, unsure if he'd be able to play again. "Although at the time I faced a lot of lies, betrayal and the 'dark side of professional sports,' I was determined to keep my integrity and never let the situation change me," he said. "My goals from day one were simple: have a great work ethic, be a great/encouraging teammate, and honor the Lord with this opportunity."
Soon after being released, the Slingers signed Morrison for the remainder of the season to start at point guard. Although the journey was not easy, Morrison sees it as God preparing the way. "All the pain and disappointment I dealt with in Saigon was just God preparing me to be a servant leader for the opportunity I have now in Singapore," he said.
Through five games with the Slingers, Morrison was averaging 13.4 points per game and shooting 39% from the floor. He scored a career-high 28 points on April 13 against San Miguel. Overall this season, he is averaging just more than 10 points per game.
During his time at Asbury, Morrison was known as a great scorer and a great witness for Jesus, leaving a mark not only on the record books, but also on the hearts of many. He scored 1,770 points in just three years – third all-time in school history – but more importantly was a steadfast servant for the Lord. He started a sidewalk ministry in his hometown of Louisville and was instrumental in the team's yearly trip to local prisons and often led the devotion following a game of basketball.
Sharing his faith is not something that has stopped just because he's playing in a new environment, in a new country or with people he doesn't know. "The first away game I had in Malaysia I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with my teammate in the hotel," Morrison said.
Morrison is unsure about where God will take him next year, without a contract for next season there are no guarantees he will be back in the ABL, but one thing is certain, he will be spreading the Gospel wherever he is.
You can follow along with games live in the ABL by going to their Web site here